I just got my front forks rebuilt for the THIRD time. The right front fork was leaking onto my brakes and pooling on the bottom of the wheel. WHY???? My mechanic said I had pitted forks so he sanded them down. However, WHAT would cause them to leak from the top of the seal and the BOTTOM of the seal? Everyday I lost almost a teaspoon of oil EVEN when I wasn't riding. Why is that? Even he was confused. It leaked even when I didn't ride it and would accumulate on the bottom of the front wheel. Any suggestions? Any preventative suggestions so I don't have to dish out 200 bones again? Thanks.
Yes, seach and DIY. Do it yourself. You'll save cash and learn how stuff works. Buddy of mine at work asked me yesterday if he got screwed for taking his 4 wheeler to the shop to get the bad gas out. He spent $1k on parts and labor. I told him he did not get screwed. He is an idot and probably would have set himself on fire working on the bike and smoking, so he actually saved money.
Sanding forklegs is, personally, a bad idea.
Which way did he sand?
If he sanded lengthwise, then it's going to leak. If he sanded around the circumference, it may create edges that will eventually wear down the seal.
As for the leaking at the bottom, it could be that the bolt is not tight enough, or is missing the copper washer.
Preventive maintenance: Use Nevr-Dul whenever you see a rust spot, or anything that looks like it might be rust, rust colored, anything; be paranoid about it. Going over the entire fork stancion with Nevr-Dul once, or twice, a year would be a good idea, if you're fighting rust.
He just sanded all the parts of the forks. He didn't individually get the rough spots. He just sanded top and bottom. Not sure why, but I think I will have to get new ones if it leaks again. This sucks. If I did this myself, I would have to have a garage and the right tools. He told me it was a total Buddha Loves You to put the forks on. The bike was in an accident and the entire front end was messed up. Guess I would rather have a professional work on that then set myself on fire. haha. Anyhow, they look fine now, but time will tell. Also, my rear tire keeps losing pressure. It evens out at 32 psi and won't go lower. It won't stay at higher psi. What is wrong? We couldn't find a leak. There has got to be one somewhere. Just very slow. Any ideas? Could I fix this myself at home? What would I need? Thanks.
For our cars, we have had good luck using the goopy tire sealant. half a bottle or less should be enough. You need to get the valve stem out and pump it in, then ride it a while for an even coat. I'd start with less at first to see if it helps, since it sounds like your leak is very minor as it holds at 32 psi. A bottle should be pretty cheap at any auto store or wally world. good luck!
something along the lines of this: http://www.slimesealant.com/
Hope that helps!
The valve stem core could be loose.
Very true about the valve stem. I have a bicycle stem tool kit so I can tighten it. We just couldn't find a visible leak! It must be the valve then. We shall see. Will do some investigating before I pour the slime in there. My mechanic noted that the rear tire was the WRONG size as well. It is too tall, but I like it and it came with the bike. The tread is fantastic so I will leave it until it needs replacement. Thanks for the suggestions.
Pitted forks can be re-chromed and finish ground, there are specialist firms out there who can do it but its expensive. You could probably get a used pair for less if you can find some and they are in good condition.
The least tiniest imperfection can cause a seal leak over time. I once had an old GT250 from the 70s that I restored and showed. It continually leaked from one fork-seal and I once lost out on a placing when the judges saw it. I must have replaced it and checked it 5 or 6 times without seeing any damage at all. Out of desperation I did a Dye-penetration test on the suspect tube, (usually its done to check welds for cracking) and it showed up a dinge in the chrome on the tube smaller than a pin-head, barely visable and practically impossible to feel. A few light strokes with some very fine wet and dry paper took it off and it was ok after that. At the time I couldnt believe how something so tiny could cause the seal to leak.....but it did. Polishing is a bit hit and miss if the tube is heavily pitted, the chrome plating is only a couple of thou` thick and its easy to take it off completely if your are not careful
Fork rechroming, how its done :
http://www.pittedforks.co.uk/productinfo.htm
Note the tolerance they work to 0.0005". Thats half a thou` or 5 ten thou`of an inch......way less than human hair.